At least five people have been killed during a hostage situation at the International Pentecost Holiness Church in Zuurbekom, Westonaria early yesterday.
Police arrested more than 40 suspects while still engaging hostage negotiators. More than 25 firearms were seized from the premises and an undisclosed number of cars were set alight.
It’s alleged that the showdown is over the leadership of the church. Ongoing conflict to succeed the leader of the church turned bloody when congregants allegedly attacked people who were inside, indicating that they were coming to take over the premises.
Several church members of the International Pentecost Holiness Church were released on Saturday afternoon after being held hostage, allegedly by a splinter group.
It is alleged ongoing conflict to succeed the leader of the church in Zuurbekom turned bloody when congregates allegedly attacked people who were inside, indicating that they were coming to take over the premises.
The 40 suspects included members of various security forces involved in the siege.
According to Vish Naidoo: “Four men were shot in a vehicle and a fifth man, apparently a security official, was shot and killed in his vehicle. Police have arrested over 40 suspects and have recovered over 30 firearms. As the situation unfolds, the recovery of firearms is fluctuating.”
Naidoo said hostage negotiators managed to defuse the situation.